This Here Is Bobby Timmons CD

Digitally remastered by Phil De Lancie (1992, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).

Digitally remastered by Phil De Lancie (1989, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).

This enjoyable LP presents a relaxed, agreeable live date, but not one that generates sparks. Pianist Bobby Timmons, who made his name as a writer and invaluable part of the rhythm section in the Art Blakey and Cannonball Adderley bands of the late '50s and early '60s, is a different proposition in his role here as a leader. Although able and energetic, Timmons demonstrates little taste for adventure and, consequently, can sustain himself in the spotlight only intermittently. Still, with Timmons in the company of bassist Ron Carter and drummer Albert Heath, both in their early twenties at the time of this 1961 recording, there would seem to have been potential for great things -- something beyond the sum of the parts. As it is, Carter and Heath provide little more than reliable support relative to their superior skills. Things may have sounded differently to the Village Vanguard audience, but on the LP Carter is uncharacteristically two-dimensional. His volume is about right, but the tone is rendered as an anonymous, mid-range pulsing. There is no sense of flesh, wood, and strings interacting with one another. Heath, predominantly using brushes, is also at about the right volume in the mix, but there are nuances missing and his snare is overemphasized. The players sound most together on the parts they've worked out, but the telepathy that distinguishes an excellent trio from an average one is missing in the group's improvisations. The result is a release that stops short of satisfying expectations. ~ Jim Todd

This is a classic Riverside set that has been reissued on CD in the Original Jazz Classics series. Pianist Bobby Timmons by early 1960 had already had successful stints with Art Blakey (where he contributed "Moanin'") and Canonball Adderley (writing "This Here" and "Date Dere"). For his first recording as a leader, Timmons (whose "funky" style was beginning to become very influential) performs those three hits along with his own "Joy Ride" and five standards in a trio with bassist Sam Jones and drummer Jimmy Cobb. Always more than just a soul-jazz pianist, Timmons (who effectively takes "Lush Life" unaccompanied) became a bit stereotyped later in his career but at this early stage was at the peak of his creativity. Essential music. ~ Scott Yanow

Recorded at the Villiage Vanguard, New York, New York on October 1, 1961. Originally released on Riverside (9391). Includes original liner notes by Joe Goldberg.

Recorded at Reeves Sound Studios, New York, New York on January 13 & 14, 1960. Originally released on Riverside (1164). Includes liner notes by Orrin Keepnews.

Personnel: Bobby Timmons (piano); Ron Carter (bass); Albert "Tootie" Heath (drums).

Personnel: Bobby Timmons (piano); Sam Jones (bass); Jimmy Cobb (drums).

Down Beat (1960) - 4 Stars - Very Good - "..Timmons here is revealed as an imaginative, creative soloist...[His] preoccupation with rhythm, harmonic patterns, and chord structure is most refreshing.."